MILTON, Ky. (February 2018) – Greves TV & Appliances Home Center is a family-owned discount appliances and electronics store that has been serving Madison, Ind., and surrounding communities since 1970. Owned by Randy and Mary Greves, it is among a number of local businesses that have become a mainstay of the Madison business community over the years.
The couple was among four Madison business owners who were recognized Jan. 10 by the Madison Main Street Program during its annual winter reception and cake auction fundraiser. This year’s event was held at Richwood on the River (formerly Richwood Plantation) in Milton, Ky., and included food and live music for about 65 guests who attended. An auction of cakes made by the various Main Street Program members generated $1725 for the nonprofit organization.

Photo by Don Ward

Mary and Randy Greves accept their award at the Madison Main Street party held Jan. 10 at Richwood on the River in Milton, Ky.

The Greves were presented with the Legacy Award, which recognizes a business that has operated for at least 25 years and made a unique mark on the community. The store is located at 302 W. Main St. and was originally opened by Randy’s parents, Ronald and Vangie Greves, in September 1970. Mary and Randy’s brother, Greg, managed the store for nearly a decade until Greg’s death in 2004. Then Mary and Randy managed the store beginning in 2005. Randy now works at Midwest Tube Mills, and longtime Greves employee Mark Hay now manages the store.
Rembrandts’ Gallery & Wine Bar, 323 E. Main St., received the Business Innovation Award. Owner Bob Maile was recognized for his successful transformation of his table and furniture making business, Madison Table and Light, into the popular wine bar on Main Street. The award goes to a business that has operated at least two years and has created a new good or service. The wine bar offers wines from around the world as well as oven-grinder pizzas and appetizers.
Rhonda Sauley, owner of Little People’s Boutique and Fine Threads, received the Business Excellence Award. This award goes to a business that has operated at least two years and exemplifies the best business practices. Sauley’s two specialty shops, which are located in the same building at 232 E. Main St., are open seven days a week, offer great customer service, free gift wrapping, and demonstrates a good knowledge of the market and its competition. Sauley first opened her store in May 1984 at 110 E. Main St. but moved her operation to its current address in 1986 when she and her husband, Rick, bought the building. She later expanded by opening Fine Threads across the hallway in 1995.
Cara Fox, owner of The Little Golden Fox at 602 W. Main St., received the Tribute Award.
This award goes to an individual or individuals who go above and beyond to provide service to the Main Street business district. Fox opened her specialty shop in 2011 and has since expanded to include painting classes and events. She also has helped recruit other new businesses to locate in Madison.
Madison Main Street Program Executive Director Victoria Perry reported that 10 new businesses opened in the downtown last year, plus five more expanded their operations. The Main Street Program is also one of many partners in the city’s Stellar Designation, which was awarded to Madison late last year by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The program could generate up to $6 million in grants and matching grants to enable the city to embark on many new developments and upgrades.
The Madison Main Street Program is an arm of Indiana Main Street and a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center and is one of more than 1,200 Main Street communities across the country united with the common goal of preserving America’s historic downtowns as economically vibrant parts of the community. The organization, which currently boasts 78 members, sponsors several activities throughout the year in the downtown, including the summer concert series at the Broadway Fountain, the monthly Fourth Friday events and other merchant-related events.
The Madison Main Street Board of Directors is comprised of 10 members who work closely with the program’s executive director, volunteers and committee members to accomplish the goals and objectives of the organization.